Discover 30 tour packages in South Asia by Explore, ranging from 7 to 22 days. These trips are backed by 500 customer reviews and offer savings of up to 24% on select departures.
Physical Rating
Departures
Tour Types
Countries
Activities
Accommodations
Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
Sri Lanka was an amazing country to experience. The Explore itinerary is well thought out to cover a variety of places and experiences, as much as it can be done in a short two weeks time. I loved the Sigiriya climb and the Hortons plains walk the most. And the elephants and their babies, of course.
The accommodation was good. The food was plentiful, and usually not an issue to find something for everyone's taste. There were times when I felt we had been faced with one too many buffet options, when lighter choices would have been more desirable. But I understand that a buffet was usually the most expedient way to accommodate a group of our size.
With 12 people in the group, mostly solo travellers, we had a very good dynamic. People were always included if they so desired, and also had the option to step out of the group bubble and do their own thing.
Hector, our driver, was a joy to be around, always attentive, safe, and going out of his way to make sure we were all taken care of, always with a smile. Thank you Hector!
And not the least, Nala, our tour leader, was the secret ingredient that made it all even better. Always with a big smile and a big heart, assessing everyone's needs and desires and trying to accommodate everyone, Nala was a treasure trove of information about Sri Lanka. Thank you Nala for sharing your love and passion for your country with us.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel, Guest House
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Demodara, Udaw
Colombo, Negombo, Demodara, Udawalawe, Koggala, Wilpattu National Park, Mihintale, Giritale, Sigiriya, Kandy, Adam's Peak, Nuwara Eliya
This trip is a great way to pack a lot in, with a limited amount of time. The sights do not disappoint and even though it’s been 10 years since we both last visited India, the love affair continues! A special mention goes to our wonderful guide, Neha. Unflappable, kind & a superb ambassador for her crazy, colourful country. We were blessed with a fantastic group, all taking in what India has to offer in our varied strides.
I would probably give the Motor Museum a miss at the end of the tour and replace with a bit more of Delhi (India Gate perhaps?) But just a mild criticism of a great week in a beautiful & vibrant country.
Rickshaw, cycle or local transport tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The tour was a very enjoyable and relaxing way to end 2024 (7-15 December). Our tour leader Mohamed Hailami (High) and the crew of Gulfaam were excellent - nothing was too much trouble and they worked hard to make it a memorable holiday. The food on the dhoni was very good - plentiful and varied. The snorkelling catered to all abilities and covered a variety of environments - particular highlights were the sunken boat and swimming with nurse sharks and cuttlefish. Through coaching and feedback from High and the captain I learned how to duck dive, make better use of my GoPro and fish with a line. The latter was with limited success but considerable pleasure - failing to catch any fish while sitting in the tender in the middle of the sea under the stars is one of my favourite memories of the week. Thanks to High and the crew for a great trip.
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
As described the tour is full on but its so worth it to see so much. This tour really throws you into Indian history and witnessing day-to-day life was fascinating. You cover a lot of ground with some very long travel days but the sites around Rajasthan make up for it with stops always providing interest.
The hotels were great with a good mix between heritage properties and the modern facilities. Gajner Palace hotel was a particular highlight and the setting is incredible.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Ajmer
New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jojawar, Bikaner
The trip itinerary certainly gave a wide range view of different areas of Southern India and their way of life. Busy bustling Chennai, then to the coastal resort of Pondicherry with a French flavour, followed by the temples and palace of Madurai. Then on to the hills hitting the tea plantations, spices and backwaters of Kerela for a sail along the river. Kochi, a busy town, with lots to see - Palace, museums, churches, synagogue and chinese fishing nets to name a few. A highlight was the toy train to Ooty. Lots to see in bustling Mysore from the Palace, statues, temples, markets and everything on the road together buses, cars, TukTuks, motorbikes, cows, sheep and goats and people! Fun to watch. Another variety of travel is the overnight train back to Chennai, ending with a leisurely day at Mamallapram. A bit of everything - recommended.
Cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Chennai, Bangalore, Mamallapuram
Chennai, Bangalore, Mamallapuram, Bandipur National Park, Mysore, Pondicherry, Meenakshi Temple, Thekkady, Kerala Backwaters, Kochi, Coimbatore
I really enjoyed this trip and seeing some more of India. Highlights include the Taj Mahal, Varanasi, Shimla and temple at Amritsar. I travelled with a really nice group and the tour leader made sure we were perfectly looked after. The food was good. Warm clothes are needed for Shimla in the winter months.
I would highly recommend the trip.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Sleeper Train, Lodge
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Amritsar, Kolkata, Shimla, Bodh
Amritsar, Kolkata, Shimla, Bodh Gaya, Varanasi, Agra, New Delhi
We had an excellent leader in Sujth and a great group overall. The itinerary was full-on although we had enough time to relax and fully appreciate the very varied activities. This included a couple of opportunities to add some small additional inputs related to the specific interests of some of the group. For example, Sujth has an extensive knowledge of the Sri Lankan birds which was put to great use throughout the holiday.
Bicycle toursRafting
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Sinharaja, Hik
Colombo, Negombo, Sinharaja, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Chilaw, Wilpattu National Park, Anaradhapura, Minneriya National Park, Polonnaruwa, Kandy
An excellent 3 weeks with 2 excellent guides. Sri Lanka section was well organised by our guide Nala. he tweaked the itinerary so that we got the very best out of our time and imparted so much information about every aspect of Sri Lanka. He kept us on time fitting extra stops in if we were passing something to see like a banana market and fishermen hauling nets in on the beach. Accommodation was exactly as described and the usual Explore authentic assortment of comfortable and more rustic.
There were lots of English style plug sockets in the hotels, but i would take an adaptor as well just in case.
Highlights were climbing Adams Peak starting at 2am, and passing some very elderly people making the pilgrimage to the temple at the top. A unique experience. Also the train journey over 9 arch bridge. Great fun.
Maldives- again we had a superb guide- Moosa. Extremely knowledgeable about the ocean and also gave us a lot of fascinating history and politics background of the Maldives. Island visits provided an insight into the real country.
The boat was spacious clean and comfortable. Didn't expect the hotel like room services - bed making and towel changing! Food on the boat was amazing. Plentiful and a variety of dishes inc freshly caught fish. Had 2 snorkels a day building up the length and difficulty of them. So many colourful fish, it was like swimming in a tropical fish tank. Also saw turtles, moray eels, sharks and rays including a manta. The tender was always out with us keeping an eye on us whilst snorkelling.
Overall a fabulous itinerary and guides on land and sea
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers